syrian students paint the longest staircase in their town
all images courtesy of salmo al-batal

 

 

 

a volunteer team of young syrian students named ‘jood‘, led by architecture academic salmo al-batal, have colorized the longest public staircase in their town, deir atieh. the youthful creative squad took to the streets of their town to paint a vibrantly colored pattern onto the urban steps, creating a three-dimensional arrangement of chroma that brings a spirited atmosphere to the cityscape. the community-driven art intervention has accomplished a permanent painted installation that hopes to pass on merriment and whimsy to local inhabitants, who are currently facing both political and social harship. al-batal says of the motivation behind the project: ‘syria today is the land of blood not colors, so we are trying to make a little difference for love and peace in the war zone’

 

 

syrian students paint the longest staircase in their town
the finished product, a permanent painted installation

 

 

syrian students paint the longest staircase in their town
the volunteer team working on the painting

 

 

syrian students paint the longest staircase in their town
(left) in the midst of the project
(right) the students standing on the completed staircase

 

 

syrian students paint the longest staircase in their town
before and after painting